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Let's do away with a couple of misnotions that have been presented here:

1. The President can not simply write a check for $200. million dollars and make this problem go away, as one member suggested. He has limited ability to ask his various cabinet members to transfer funds from one program to another as a stop gap measure. But when it comes to actual appropriations? The President submits a budget and congress passes on it after they've had their say.

2. ADAP (as Philly so rightlfully pointed out) is a joint operation between the Federal Government and the State Governmrents. The problem here doesn't rest solely with the Federal side, there is equal responsibility on the State side. I suspect that those states with the longest waiting lists are located somewhere in the red area.

3. The President could ask congress for an emergency appropriation to help through this crisis. It would NEVER pass the Senate (as Matty alluded to) in an election year. I'm not even certain it would get through the house.

So when I read things like "Obama fails to lead", "Obama will be a one term President", I can only roll my eyes and say "what the hell are you people thinking?".

Suggesting that George W. Bush was better?

Drinking from the Kool-Aid and saying it's all about some sort of conspiracy to cover up these (never heard them before) rumors that he dallied with a man or two?

Give me a frickin break.

If you want to have a serious conversation then I'm all for it.

But in order to do so we have to focus on the facts of how our government decides to spend money.

To pile on the President for things that are essentially out of his control, who's responsibility rests primarily with Congress, to suggest . . . . .oh shit I just give up!

This is NOT precisely a failure of leadership (though I too am frustrated), this is the reality of the American political system.

Of course America can have a more equitable distribution of wealth AND social welfare. And its the President's role to lead the direction. Don't the names Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Johnson mean anything to you, Bocker? America CAN change its path, its established identity. It's done so several times. You are what the Swiss call a "neinsager".

Logged

ďFrom each, according to his ability; to each, according to his needĒ 1875 K Marx

Or what an English speaker would call a "naysayer". Mecch, this is borderline name-calling and as I warned Philly about name-calling earlier, I'm going to warn you too - although this is a milder warning.

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

In going back over the posts, I think (smell the burning of my brain??) that it was the OP's intent to show a lack of leadership by President Obama on this particular issue (ADAP funding and intent to champion support of the National Strategy through action translating into funding - whether it be federal, state, local, private).

I am not bashing the President as a whole. As I would not want to be in his shoes. Politics has, is and always will be just that - politics. "The road to hell is paved with good intentions."

The main points of my responses (albeit when I strayed - for which I once again apologize and ask for not just forgiveness) is that many Americans (and it appears the OP as well) feel that the President is not showing leadership.

I agree that the solution to the current crisis in not as easy or "do-able" as the President writing a check for $200 million; I agree that corporate America and those with financial resources are not going to just hand over the funds necessary to alleviate the crisis; and I agree that Americans are not going to support any type of major movement towards a socialist type of government.

American politics is built on a two party system (with "sub-parties" emerging from within) with a distinct purpose of serving as a check and balance, if you will, thus laying a foundation for conflicting ideologies and disputes over which direction the country should move - not just on this issue, but on most other issues as well.

However, great leaders are able not so much to generate a consensus of which direction to go to solve a problem/crisis, but are able to convey that there is a crisis and the necessity for some type of action to be taken to address that crisis and the benefit to the nation as a whole in doing so, as well as the consequences to the nation as a whole that failure to act will have. This is where I believe Obama is falling short on this issue and where my frustration is coming in as well as the frustration of others.

I do have hope though that the message will be conveyed and that solutions will be proposed by both sides - because I have seen it happen in the past with other issues. I am only saddened and frightened by the thought of those who will have to die due to lack of care and the overall impact it will have to the fabric of the United States before some type of leadership occurs; consensus recognition of the need to act occurs; and solutions are proposed.

Although I fully understand the difficulty in writing a check for 200,000,000 to fund medication politically, I shake my head, since the cost of lifetime care for 1 person with hiv/aids is hovering around the 600,000 dollar level. Multiply that figure by the number of hiv positive persons in the US.

The healthcare burden is incredible and NOT sustainable. Be very afraid!

As for Hillary I'd say GO FOR IT LADY !!!Local news here in the corn state, besides Obama vs Hitler billboards, is that HIV cases have and are increasing.The lack of attention, and the assumption that meds equal a cure, has people taking risks more so now than ever.Really sad...

Come on Philly, really? You can't presume Hillary would be doing nothing different and obviously no one here wants the McCain/Palin option.

Hillary, just on ADAP or her versus the entire Obama/Pelosi legislative accomplishments in 18 months?

If Hillary had won her administration would have taken that entire 18 months just to get organized, if how she ran her campaign is any indication. Some people here have short memories and/or didn't read enough of the inside game that went on with her advisors in the multitude of post-game analysis news articles and books.

If it's just the ADAP issue then there are still more moving parts involved like I previously stated.

If anyone here bothered to read this article/interview you might see several things are institutional issues and not solved by just writing a check. As I stated earlier, there have been two amounts released recently -- $30 million in June, and $25 million two weeks ago. We've ALL yet to see what effect that will result in as the waiting list issue isn't like a giant on/off switch. There are individual states involved, because that's how ADAP works. Obama isn't the FŁhrer, not is any President, regardless of what the teabaggers write on their stupid signs.

Quote

In June, the Obama administration announced it was giving $30 million to HIV prevention for the current year. Can part of that money go to supplying ADAP meds on the theory that treatment is prevention?

Schmid: We donít have all the details yet. We hear itís not part of ADAP money, but we donít know.

Arnold: In theory, yes, but itís a different funding stream than ADAP.

Hypothetically, if 2,000 people are on waiting lists and without meds and, as NASTAD says, the average monthly drug costs per person is $1,003, then the immediate need for medication is like $2 million a month, or $24 million for one year. Thatís not close to the $126 million figure HIV/AIDS advocates are asking for. What about prioritizing paying for needed meds to solve the immediate crisis and working on the larger problems in the background later, is that feasible?

Arnold: Probably no. The damage thatís been done by the shrinking federal contribution the past few years obviously undermines the pot of money, but the people [on ADAP] have continued to grow. Somehow the money has to catch up with not just the waiting lists but all the things driving the waiting lists. If the feds donít step in with money, all these states struggling this year? Wait till next year.

ps: And yes, if the liberal base including those reading here get demoralized based on unrealistic grounds you're going to see a bunch of Palin mini-me's running the country after the November mid-terms. Just look around at types like Sharon Angle and Rand Paul -- there are plenty more like them bubbling under the surface. You won't be getting more Olympia Snowes or even Scott Browns.

1) A social welfare state can be sustained if spending is cut elsewhere - MILITARY! And revenues are raised - TAX THE RICH.

Since the drugs exists - it would seem that there is a human right to the medicine, since they are part of the standard of care in the person's country and contribute to an adequate standard of living.

While I agree the Military should be cut somewhat I think using this as a rallying cry to fund ADAP is the wrong course. Yes, in a fantasy world we would have a slim and trim defense budget that operates on a third of what it does now and we would be able to re-allocate funds to pay for ADAP (and other needed programs). That's not going to happen, the defense budget is "the golden Goose" for many politicians and getting bipartisan support to cut it substantially is just not going to happen. It's a dead horse, and yall can keep on beating it.

But considering the current emergency situation regarding ADAP I am going to drag Pepfar into the fray. At the risk of sounding callous, which frankly dont give a shit about, I think we should repeal PepFar or at least a portion of it and use the up to $250mil annually to fund ADAP. This is something that would even appeal to those politicians who dont give a shit about those with HIV. ie..."If we are going to give money to those heathens who have HIV let's give it to OUR heathens here in America".

That's right REPEAL PEPFAR and reallocate those funds to Americans who are going without HAART!!

Afterall, think about your own personal budget. If you routinely give Charitable donations to Food Banks and suddenly the economy worsens and you cannot pay for your own food do you continue to give fully to that charity? NO! you do not! If you give charitable doantions to help fund ADAP for those who cannot afford HAART and the economy worsens and you cannot pay for your own HAART do you continue to give fully to that Charity? NO! you do not! Etc, Etc, Etc, Ad nauseum... It's the same situation with the US and the funding of Pepfar.

In an effort to stay on subject with the OP I will say this...I agree Obama is failing to lead on AIDS. If we can allocate $250mil to re-sod the Mall in DC but yet we have Americans who are going without HAARt due to waiting lists something is TERRIBLY wrong, and the person who needs to be taken to the wipping post is Obama for letting this happen. Come on Obama, Cant the fuckin grass wait?? Obama needs to grow a spine and not allow these ridiculous earmarks in! What happened to the "No earmarks, No pork" campaign cry Obama? I want my vote back Obama! you idiot!

While I agree the Military should be cut somewhat I think using this as a rallying cry to fund ADAP is the wrong course. Yes, in a fantasy world we would have a slim and trim defense budget that operates on a third of what it does now and we would be able to re-allocate funds to pay for ADAP (and other needed programs). That's not going to happen, the defense budget is "the golden Goose" for many politicians and getting bipartisan support to cut it substantially is just not going to happen. It's a dead horse, and yall can keep on beating it.

But considering the current emergency situation regarding ADAP I am going to drag Pepfar into the fray. At the risk of sounding callous, which frankly dont give a shit about, I think we should repeal PepFar or at least a portion of it and use the up to $250mil annually to fund ADAP. This is something that would even appeal to those politicians who dont give a shit about those with HIV. ie..."If we are going to give money to those heathens who have HIV let's give it to OUR heathens here in America".

That's right REPEAL PEPFAR and reallocate those funds to Americans who are going without HAART!!

Afterall, think about your own personal budget. If you routinely give Charitable donations to Food Banks and suddenly the economy worsens and you cannot pay for your own food do you continue to give fully to that charity? NO! you do not! If you give charitable doantions to help fund ADAP for those who cannot afford HAART and the economy worsens and you cannot pay for your own HAART do you continue to give fully to that Charity? NO! you do not! Etc, Etc, Etc, Ad nauseum... It's the same situation with the US and the funding of Pepfar.

In an effort to stay on subject with the OP I will say this...I agree Obama is failing to lead on AIDS. If we can allocate $250mil to re-sod the Mall in DC but yet we have Americans who are going without HAARt due to waiting lists something is TERRIBLY wrong, and the person who needs to be taken to the wipping post is Obama for letting this happen. Come on Obama, Cant the fuckin grass wait?? Obama needs to grow a spine and not allow these ridiculous earmarks in! What happened to the "No earmarks, No pork" campaign cry Obama? I want my vote back Obama! you idiot!

-Will

Will, with all due respect, you need to get a grip and understand that the issue with HIV funding, has been like this for decades. You also need to stop insulting President Obama, just because he isn't doing what you believe he should be doing in regards to HIV funding. This is not his fault, nor any president, as it is Congress that appropriates funds and so direct your anger where it belongs, to the members of Congress. I share frustration with Obama not being forceful on HIV issues, but I can understand how a national health care plan would command his priorities. Don't forget that many of the provisions in the new health care plan will directly affect pozzies and the care they receive.

Being a leader is very hard word and often your choices are between bad and worse options. You are always free to voice your frustrations, however what you are not entitled to, is calling the president an idiot. That's beyond juvenile and insulting to the office he holds. If you think you could do his job better, then get elected, otherwise, show some respect for the highest office in the land.

It's amazing what one finds on the internet. This whole story makes me sick to my stomach but answers a whole host of questions. Our government is way sick and twisted more than I could ever imagine,and it should NOT be this way. Our honor needs restored,our standards,our values,respect. All god loving Americans have a moral compass,and this bunch of evil beings do not. They need to be dealt with swiftly. Removed at once! I am going to send this to everyone I know and donít know.

Will, with all due respect, you need to get a grip and understand that the issue with HIV funding, has been like this for decades. You also need to stop insulting President Obama, just because he isn't doing what you believe he should be doing in regards to HIV funding. This is not his fault, nor any president, as it is Congress that appropriates funds and so direct your anger where it belongs, to the members of Congress. I share frustration with Obama not being forceful on HIV issues, but I can understand how a national health care plan would command his priorities. Don't forget that many of the provisions in the new health care plan will directly affect pozzies and the care they receive.

Being a leader is very hard word and often your choices are between bad and worse options. You are always free to voice your frustrations, however what you are not entitled to, is calling the president an idiot. That's beyond juvenile and insulting to the office he holds. If you think you could do his job better, then get elected, otherwise, show some respect for the highest office in the land.

Thank you for the lesson.

My "Disrespect to the Office" is a product of this Administrations apathy towards the ADAP crisis. I understand the workings of Congress and believe if Obama would take on the cause and give it some much needed press time then Congress would find it hard to say yes to letting Americans go without HAART. Obama has no intentions to take on the ADAP crisis publicly, he is more comfortable with sweeping it under the rug and creating fat cat committees to research the situation for a few years.

And yes, Obamacare is just peachy (in 3-4 years) but how's that helping the people on lists now??

you need to get a grip and understand that the issue with HIV funding, has been like this for decades. - Oh, ok. Then I guess this makes it all ok. I guess I have no cause to be upset with the ADAP situation. My bad. Frankly under the same circumstances I couldnt care less whether it's Bush, Hillary or Mother Theresa in office, the President is the ultimate authority in the US and has a duty to stand up for the lives of Americans instead of being complicit in signing death warrants for those unlucvky enough to be on ADAP waiting lists.

This is not North Korea and I am in fact entitled to call the President an Idiot whomever it may be. My contemp stands. Especially in the face of $2billlion in earmarks in the stimulus bill when the ADAP lists have not been cleared.

Will, it is obvious that you don't understand my comments and you are putting words in my mouth, at every turn. My point remains, that no matter how much you may disagree with President Obama, he is the duly elected president of the United States and as such, he deserves a modicum of respect. You also seem to think that I am not angry about the ADAP funding crisis, which is untrue, however, I realize that you don't get anyone to work with you, by calling them names. This is not about you voicing your views, it's about respect, for people, the process and how America really works. I share your anger, but instead of railing against the machine, I would rather spend my time trying to influences those who can truly affect change.

I don't blame any of this on Obama. I've said it before, I have not been impressed with any president after LBJ, and that is not a knock on our current leader. We have people in Congress representing us (general public) that have lifestyles much different than their constituents, how the hell can they relate to our needs? Our systems is broken, and our presidents have become nothing more than scapegoats.

Hey, now that you've attempted some fascinating thread drift, are you one of those fundie wackos at Planned Parenthood's clinic which is on the next block down from my HIV specialist in the Gayborhood? Those folks are crazy. I'm always scared a pipe bomb is going to explode when I'm around the corner grabbing a latte.

he is the duly elected president of the United States and as such, he deserves a modicum of respect.

Defending the honor of the President is an admirable quality. I applaud you for that. I totally get that you are miffed that I am calling the President names. Let me say it so you dont have to...I am abrasive, unrefined and uncouth. That too I get and acknowledge.

But let's stick to the point of Obama failing to Lead on AIDS...How is allowing a bill with $2billion in earmarks pass his desk while turning a blind eye to the $150million needed to clear the waiting lists considered good solid leadership? How is allowing $250 million to resod the Mall in D.C while ignoring the ADAP waiting lists good solid leadership? How is enacting a new "Test and Treat" initiative good solid leadership when we cant even "treat" those who currently need treatment? The "Test and Treat" in itself is the epitome of idiocy!

The $2billion Earmark fiasco aside, It would be well within Obama's duties to go to HIS Congress and ask for Emergency Appropriations to clear ADAP waiting lists, he could easily get a majority of Democrats on board, for the Republicans he needed he could do a little behind closed doors "give and take" and get the few of them onboard and we would be on the road to resoliving the issue. Yet, Obama has indicated no inclination to do such a thing. This is a National Health Emergency and Obama needs to start acting like a President who cares about the Health and Welfare of Americans. The buck stops with him.

If anyone here bothered to read this article/interview you might see several things are institutional issues and not solved by just writing a check. As I stated earlier, there have been two amounts released recently -- $30 million in June, and $25 million two weeks ago. We've ALL yet to see what effect that will result in as the waiting list issue isn't like a giant on/off switch. There are individual states involved, because that's how ADAP works. Obama isn't the FŁhrer, not is any President, regardless of what the teabaggers write on their stupid signs.

Quote

In June, the Obama administration announced it was giving $30 million to HIV prevention for the current year. Can part of that money go to supplying ADAP meds on the theory that treatment is prevention?

Schmid: We donít have all the details yet. We hear itís not part of ADAP money, but we donít know.

Arnold: In theory, yes, but itís a different funding stream than ADAP.

Hypothetically, if 2,000 people are on waiting lists and without meds and, as NASTAD says, the average monthly drug costs per person is $1,003, then the immediate need for medication is like $2 million a month, or $24 million for one year. Thatís not close to the $126 million figure HIV/AIDS advocates are asking for. What about prioritizing paying for needed meds to solve the immediate crisis and working on the larger problems in the background later, is that feasible?

Arnold: Probably no. The damage thatís been done by the shrinking federal contribution the past few years obviously undermines the pot of money, but the people [on ADAP] have continued to grow. Somehow the money has to catch up with not just the waiting lists but all the things driving the waiting lists. If the feds donít step in with money, all these states struggling this year? Wait till next year.

I know many of us expect President Obama to do everything we want right away. I know this is true with DADT. While it would take Congress to repeal the law, many felt he should have signed an executive order in the meantime stopping discharges due to the need. I believe the Pentagon has temporarily stopped them, no? I could be wrong. I'm definitely no expert on how these things work. Perhaps he should have used his powers at Commander-in-Chief to do that temporarily until the law is changed. I know many feel he tries to be too bipartisan and do things through a process. I've heard many say he needs a little of that Bush "I'm President and will do what I want when I want" attitude.

I know when Bush ordered 28 new Marine One helicopters at what I believe was at a cost of $13 Billion, Obama said he was fine with the ones he had and the order was cancelled. I'm not sure why 28 were ever needed. They are only used to take the prez from the WH to Andrews--and you need a couple I guess to transport when he travels around the world. I'm not sure whether Obama had the power to just cancel them on his own. I believe he had to work with the Pentagon, and the Defense Secretary wanted them cancelled as well so that helped. Secretary Gates has also asked Congress to take about $1 Billion back and he felt this new fighter jet was a waste of money. It was members of Congress who wanted those unneeded and expensive jets, because parts were made in something like 38 states.

I still can't figure out the ADAP problem. I know the waiting lists need to be cleared. However, my ADAP counselor told me that no one in KY atleast is going without meds due to our waiting list. He said the people on our waiting list are people who still don't need meds. He said if someone needed meds, they aren't letting anyone go without. He said they use drug programs to get free meds for those people. Now, he could be full of shit. I don't know. Please don't misunderstand what I'm saying. I'm sure the problem is very real and has huge consequences for many HIVers. I'm just relaying what he told me about KY. When I asked about hearing about people dying on waiting lists, he said those could have been people who would have died regardless. I had asked him about this, because I was feeling guilty for being on ADAP even though I'm not on meds. I thought I was taking someone's spot. He said that isn't the case and I should stay on ADAP, because I could need it tomorrow. He even suggested I have my doc prescribe a vitamin to have filled through ADAP so they don't try to kick me off. I replied saying that would be taking money from the program. He said my filling a vitamin isn't taking needed HIV meds from someone. This is what has confused me so much. If the situation is due to lack of money, why take money for a vitamin?

Again, I'm relaying what he said and NOT saying this problem isn't real and full of consequences. I know many of you have done tons of research on ADAP and I don't pretend to know as much as I should. I'm just saying I don't know whether he knows what he's talking about or is full of it.

How is it just not as easy as "writing a check"?. Yes, my cry for $150mil/annually, is a bit simplistic and will not solve the problem long term. But whatever amount it takes to clear all waiting lists , and maintain status quo on current ADAP services...whatever that figure is it would be worth it. If we can clear all waiting lists now and maintain them cleared until Ocare we would be saving a certain amount of money on the backend treating AIDS illnesses in the ER's of those people getting sick because they haver no access to meds.The States are in trouble and they are cutting everything they can to stay afloat including ADAP, The Feds need to make up that gap. I acknowledge there are institutional problems and Im fine with ADAP being scrapped once Obamacare goes into effect (provided everyone has access to MEDS under OCare). Obama missed an opportunity to provide stop gap measures to completely fund the ADAP deficit until 2014, or whenever Ocare goes into effect. He could have included immediate funding for this in his healthcare bill and then scrap ADAP once the bill goes into full effect.

All though I ahvent heard it stated this way, Obam Admin seems to be saying "We will take care of everyone needing HIV meds under Obamacare". What they fail to acknowledge is that these people will not be taken care of for another 3 or so years, and until then you're on your own.

Fine, if Obama wants to look the other way on his beloved earmarks while peoples Viral oads are skyrocketing, then he needs to grow some stones and scrap PepFar to the tune of $250 mill annually, desperate times require desperate measures.

Because not every state that's made changes has made a waiting list, some have just changed the eligibility level.

And again, you're not addressing what I highlighted in that article, namely that the amount of money that some are requesting to address the waiting lists doesn't add up to the number of people on them and the coast per patient for 12 months. Got it? Make too much money available and you'll have all fifty states doing the same thing, in a never ending money to shift the state responsibility for their portion of the program to the federal coffers 100%.

I'm amazed at how some of you can't seem to look at the larger picture here and keep recycling the same gibberish.

Now that Miss P has shared his wisdom with us by telling us how he would solve the ADAP crisis, let's look at another section of his favorite article, which particularly addresses the topic of this thread, lack of leadership from the Administration:*******************************************************************************************

Letís talk about the federal governmentís response. Last time there was an ADAP crisis in 2006, President Bush found emergency funds. This time, thereís been a lot of discussion and steps taken to try to remedy the situation, but so far, no additional funding has been given. A few months ago, about 80 members of the U.S. House of Representatives signed a petition asking Obama for $126 million for ADAPs, but it got no response. Then two GOP senators introduced a bill seeking to take the $126 million from stimulus funds, but no Democrats signed on. Is the lack of additional ADAP funding a result of partisan politics?

Schmid: I donít think itís caught up in partisan politics. Itís caught up in lack of attention and priority for the domestic AIDS epidemic. There are so many competing interests for limited amounts of money. But money is being spent, and this hasnít been prioritized. We do hear there will be an announcement [regarding funds] coming from the administration.

Arnold: The Senate bill is not politicized in the normal Democrat versus Republican sense. Itís wrapped up in, ďShould we spend stimulus money versus other money.Ē A bipartisan letter is being drafted in the Senate just asking the president to find the $126 million however and wherever but quickly. Talk is going on as we speak to drop a companion bill in the House to match the Senate bill. There is huge frustration among the AIDS advocacy community that the administration hasnít recognized it as being the problem that it is and that itís the tip of the iceberg of a bigger problem. We spent 25 years building through the Ryan White CARE Act a remarkable system, and weíre about to let it collapse.

*******************************************************************************************"lack of attention and priority for the domestic AIDS epidemic"

"however and wherever but quickly"

"the administration hasn't recognized it as being the problem that it is"

Logged

"No one will ever be free so long as there are pestilences."--Albert Camus, "The Plague"

"Mankind can never be free until the last brick in the last church falls on the head of the last priest."--Voltaire

There are many things that each of us can do to help with the ADAP issue. Start locally and work your way up. Find out who administers ADAP for your state or region and who controls how it is spent. There are generally HIV planning councils and they have meetings where the needs of the HIV community are discussed. These are the people who generally know what is "really going on" in your state. If your state is not pulling it's weight in providing funds, find out who has that responsibility and contact that office. Keep moving up the money chain, after local, start advocating at the state level.

The reason that so many ADAPs are having problems, is because state legislatures are cheating on their share. Make sure your state is not one of those. Then head for the federal level and provide support for those who are advocating for proper funding. Deluge opponents with true horror stories about what happens when you can't get access to live saving medications. Be out about your status and tell everyone you can about what is happening with funding and ask for their help. Join organizations, volunteer, whatever, but what we cannot do is to sit back and expect someone else to do this.

I'm sick about the lack of support from Obama, but that is our reality and we have to acknowledge it, plan accordingly and move one. This is why I say that HIV funding has been disjointed for decades and we must remain ever vigilant to secure the funding that we need. I have been successful in talking with a number of legislators, at all levels of government, by getting involved and getting to know the people who make the system work.

I applaud the outrage that is evident in this thread, but words on an Internet board are hardly action. Get involved and channel your outrage into meaningful actions. Remember, change comes one person at a time and one person can change the world.

There are many things that each of us can do to help with the ADAP issue. Start locally and work your way up. Find out who administers ADAP for your state or region and who controls how it is spent. There are generally HIV planning councils and they have meetings where the needs of the HIV community are discussed. These are the people who generally know what is "really going on" in your state. If your state is not pulling it's weight in providing funds, find out who has that responsibility and contact that office. Keep moving up the money chain, after local, start advocating at the state level.

The reason that so many ADAPs are having problems, is because state legislatures are cheating on their share. Make sure your state is not one of those. Then head for the federal level and provide support for those who are advocating for proper funding. Deluge opponents with true horror stories about what happens when you can't get access to live saving medications. Be out about your status and tell everyone you can about what is happening with funding and ask for their help. Join organizations, volunteer, whatever, but what we cannot do is to sit back and expect someone else to do this.

I'm sick about the lack of support from Obama, but that is our reality and we have to acknowledge it, plan accordingly and move one. This is why I say that HIV funding has been disjointed for decades and we must remain ever vigilant to secure the funding that we need. I have been successful in talking with a number of legislators, at all levels of government, by getting involved and getting to know the people who make the system work.

I applaud the outrage that is evident in this thread, but words on an Internet board are hardly action. Get involved and channel your outrage into meaningful actions. Remember, change comes one person at a time and one person can change the world.

I agree completely Killfoile - There have many good points brought up in this thread. To add an additional observation, I have been surprised and disheartened here in South Florida about the lack of action being taken by the local ASOs to bring their concerns about the ADAP issue to the attention of local/state legislatures and to the general public. However, after more than 20 years of working the in social services, I am sad to say that at the same time it isn't surprising. Most nonprofit ASOs (and not for profits overall) only focus on those issues that are going to bring funding directly into their organization. Otherwise, they show great apathy.

ADAP does not bring funding directly into an ASO as the funding goes directly to the purchase of meds. Now, if states or the feds start decreasing funding for Ryan White services or don't adequately fund then you would hear an outcry from the ASOs as this would directly impact their funding (case manager\rs, etc), same for HOPWA (housing specialists, etc), same for federal HIV prevention funding (Peer Specialists, Prevention Specialist, Outreach Specialist, HIV Testing Specialists) -- because with all of these sources of funding, in addition to the direct program funding, the ASO gets administrative funds (i.e. pays for CEO's salary, etc) - with the average ASO CEO making around $125,000 annual. ADAP doesn't bring funds to the ASO or support their administrative structure (i.e. Executive salaries) thus, the overall lack of concern.

I have decided that as part of my individual action plan on this crisis, I need to boldly ask these ASOs here in South Florida (which are some of the largest in the country - South Florida has one of the highest rates of infections and of persons living with HIV/AIDS) why they are not being more vocal about the ADAP issue, why they are not encouraging their clients as well as why they themselves are advocating and pushing locally, statewide, and federally for adequate funding. I have a feeling, that knowing what I know about how most nonprofits only advocate for those issues that serve their own self interest, they will not like me "pulling their covers." But, it is time to make sure that my local ASOs are truly fulfilling their mission and are serving those they are supposed to serve, whether it benefits their bottom line or not.

I also agree with Ms. P. in that we need to make sure states are fulfilling their obligation in regards to ADAP funding. Just as the feds have many pork projects, states do too. We need to question these if they are being given priority over appropriately funding needed ADAP services. Locally, we need to look at how funding is being spent. Once again, there are lots of local projects funded that could have been delayed in order to ensure that people have access to life saving meds. Time and time again it has been shown that local control of funding / funding closes to the people it serves is more effective funding. The more layers between the funding sources and the actual recipient, the more of that funding that gets eaten away as it makes its way down the chain. So, yell from the bottom up; hold funding sources accountable from the bottom up - bet definitely need to hit every level required until ADAP is appropriately funded. Lives depend on it - and while it may not be my life today - it may be the life of someone I love - and may very well be my life that is on the line tomorrow.

On Friday, President Obama updated his pending fiscal year 2011 HHS budget request to include $400 million more for HIV/AIDS programs, high-risk insurance pools and health worker training, CQ HealthBeat reports. He made the request to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).

Obama seeks an additional $30 million for state programs that provide drugs for people living with HIV and $35 million more for HIV/AIDS prevention initiatives and research programs. The administration has been facing criticism from the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and other advocacy groups that claim it has not devoted enough money to HIV/AIDS programs.

On Friday, President Obama updated his pending fiscal year 2011 HHS budget request to include $400 million more for HIV/AIDS programs, high-risk insurance pools and health worker training, CQ HealthBeat reports. He made the request to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).

Obama seeks an additional $30 million for state programs that provide drugs for people living with HIV and $35 million more for HIV/AIDS prevention initiatives and research programs. The administration has been facing criticism from the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and other advocacy groups that claim it has not devoted enough money to HIV/AIDS programs.

[more...]

So $30Mil more for ADAP help to the states, Ill take it. According to my very rough figures iif you take into account Sebellius' $25 mil and this $30mil, seems like there is still a $50-$75Milmil gap to close. With "Test and Treat" on the horizon with the real potential to add many more to the ADAP rolls, seems like Obama is merely pissing on the bonfire while his programs are stoking it on the other side.

So $30Mil more for ADAP help to the states, Ill take it. According to my very rough figures iif you take into account Sebellius' $25 mil and this $30mil, seems like there is still a $50-$75Milmil gap to close. With "Test and Treat" on the horizon with the real potential to add many more to the ADAP rolls, seems like Obama is merely pissing on the bonfire while his programs are stoking it on the other side.

However I applaud every penny.

-W

No, previous to this there were two disbursements of money, the 25 and either another 30 or 35, though it was unclear if that first bit went to ADAP or something else. I provided the poz.com link explaining this earlier in the thread, though of course everyone ignored it.

Also, the current link just above isn't for the rest of 2010, it's for fiscal (not calendar) 2011 if I'm reading things correctly.

No, previous to this there were two disbursements of money, the 25 and either another 30 or 35, though it was unclear if that first bit went to ADAP or something else. I provided the poz.com link explaining this earlier in the thread, though of course everyone ignored it.

ahhh, MissyP always keeping me on my toes... Since I'm a governmental pessimist and since the original pledge wasnt earmarked specifically for the ADAP crisis, I doubt any substantial amount of it will go the states to address the ADAP situation (however I could be wrong). Sebelius' pledge however was specifically mandated to go to the AADP crisis, as is the $30 mil in this new pledge.